How can Europe strengthen its digital position in an increasingly competitive international playing field?

How can Europe strengthen its digital position in an increasingly competitive international landscape? This question was central to a panel discussion on Europe’s digital position and sovereignty featuring EU Commissioner Henna Virkkunen, Lisa Monaco, Johansson Micael, and John R. Allen at the GLOBSEC Forum in Prague.

This week, more than 2000 people from nearly 90 countries have come together to discuss geopolitics, security, and international stability. Digital sovereignty has become an increasingly central topic in this context. I also spoke about this today with the Czech Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlíček, who is responsible for digitalization. Digital technologies directly impact our economy, democracy, and national security. Therefore, it is necessary to build our own key positions in the Netherlands and in Europe.

With a strong European tech sector that stimulates European demand for and supply of technology. By reducing risky strategic dependencies, strengthening European digital infrastructure, and enhancing our cybersecurity. And by ensuring that technology is developed and applied within a safe ecosystem, where our democracy, fundamental rights, and values remain protected.

Europe has a strong starting position, with clear ambitions and a leading high-tech ecosystem. The challenge is to strengthen that position and convert it more quickly into concrete impact. It is valuable to hear from different perspectives how we can achieve this in the short term!

PUT-IT-ON reaction: by Michael R. Maljers to the Secretary of State for Digital Economy and Sovereignty

Europe is talking about digital sovereignty. Meanwhile, millions of European professionals are building their networks, visibility, and business futures on foreign platforms. This is a remarkable contradiction.

At PUT-IT-ON, we have been working for the past 4.5 years on a European alternative for professional networking. Not driven by algorithms. Not based on trading attention. But built around ownership, the quality of connections, and visibility on one's own terms. If we truly believe in European digital independence, we must stop just talking about alternatives and start using them. Digital sovereignty is not a policy document. It is a choice.